Manhattan, IL -- A vet from Manhattan, IL had a traumatic brain injury when his rescue helicopter crashed in Afghanistan in 2010. Through the non-profit Homes for our Troops, he is now getting a home mortgage free!

"When your life is altered completely and normal is no longer a word that applies to you, it can be a totally life-changing inclident," said Air Force Captain Anthony Simone, who had a traumatic brain injury accident in Afghanastan. He gave the speech at a ceremony where he received the keys to his new home from Homes for our Troops.

Homes for our Troops is a non-profit that builds mortgage free, specially adapted homes for veterans.

The Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board and the Illinois Fire Sprinkler Coalition heard about the organization and this project through Manhattan Fire Protection District Chief Dan Forsythe. The original plans had a closet that was meant to be a safe room for hurricanes. However, hurricanes don't happen in Manhattan, IL - but fires do. NIFSA and IFSC donated fire sprinklers and installation. They worked with Chief Forsythe and Bill Sutterlin to ensure proper design and install in accordance with NFPA 13D.